Riad Bouchaker, a 52-year-old Algerian national and Irish citizen, has been convicted of a horrific knife attack on primary school children in Dublin that left one five-year-old girl with severe brain damage and sparked citywide riots. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday at the Central Criminal Court after a three-week trial.
Details of the Attack
On November 23, 2023, Bouchaker became upset after failing to secure social welfare payments. He retrieved a 36cm carving knife from his hostel on Little Britain Street and went to Parnell Square, where he asked for directions to a school. After loitering for about an hour, he targeted a group of 13 children aged five and six who were lining up for an after-school creche.
Bouchaker stood at a bus stop for one minute and 40 seconds until the only other adult present, Leanne Flynn, crouched to zip a child's coat. He then swiftly stabbed a five-year-old girl in the chest, perforating the right ventricle of her heart. Ms Flynn dragged him away but suffered a stab wound to her back. Bouchaker continued attacking children until passers-by intervened and subdued him.
Injuries and Long-Term Impact
The five-year-old girl suffered brain damage from blood loss and is now non-verbal, uses a wheelchair, and cannot swallow safely, requiring lifelong care. Another girl sustained an 8cm gash to her head and lost a skull fragment. Other children had superficial wounds. Ms Flynn required surgery to remove her spleen and repair her diaphragm, spending a month in hospital.
Riots in Dublin
The attack triggered violent riots in Dublin, with vehicles set on fire, shops looted, and infrastructure damaged. The unrest began that evening when a crowd gathered near the crime scene, making international headlines.
Defense and Verdict
Bouchaker's defense argued he had a mild cognitive impairment from a 2021 craniotomy and a subsequent head injury during the attack. However, Justice Tony Hunt ruled him fit to stand trial, noting cognitive limitations but not unfitness. Bouchaker denied eight counts, including attempted murder and assault causing serious harm. Jurors unanimously convicted him on all counts after five hours of deliberation over two days.
During police interviews, Bouchaker said the welfare decision made him feel “this country is telling me to leave.” Detectives argued he showed patience in finding a school and targeted the smallest children, waiting for minimal adult presence. The prosecution said the nature of injuries—chest, head, neck—demonstrated intent to kill.
Next Steps
A sentence hearing is scheduled for Monday, October 12, where victim impact statements will be presented. Bouchaker remains in custody.
